JOHOR BARU: Johor will go ahead with its own Felda Settlers' Day celebration to honour pioneer settlers despite the Federal Government's last-minute cancellation of the original event.
Caretaker agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the state- organised celebration will be held at 2.30pm tomorrow at Dewan Datuk Onn, Rumah Komuniti Parlimen Sembrong in Taman Sri Lambak, Kluang.
While the event will be scaled down from the original plan, he stressed that its significance in recognising the contributions of Felda settlers remains unchanged.
“Caretaker Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi is expected to launch the event, which will include the presentation of land titles to 210 Felda settlers, a programme originally scheduled for the cancelled celebration,” Zahari said, while adding that the handover represents more than just ownership documents.
“For the Felda community, these land titles are a recognition of decades of sacrifice and struggle in opening up land schemes and contributing to the development of Johor and the nation,” he said.
Zahari added that the presentation also marks a major milestone in the state's efforts to resolve long-standing land ownership issues involving settlers.
According to him, the state government has assisted 27,642 settlers statewide with land title matters, with the completion rate now approaching 100%.
He acknowledged that the cancellation of the original celebration had disappointed many settlers who had eagerly awaited the annual gathering.
“The state government understands their feelings.
“We will continue to stand with the Felda community by finding solutions to safeguard their rights and interests,” he said, while thanking all parties involved in ensuring the event could still proceed.
On June 17, Zahari revealed that the state government was informed of the Federal Government's decision to cancel the original celebration just four days before it was due to be held on June 20 and 21 at Felda Ulu Belitong, Kluang.
He said more than 5,000 settlers from 73 Felda settlements across Johor had confirmed their attendance, with accommodation, food and logistical preparations already in place.
